Everybody’s Dream Foe: What Lies Ahead for Oleksandr Usyk in Heavyweight Boxing?

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Media caption: Parker knocks out Bakole in second round to win Riyadh bout

Published on February 23, 2025 with 179 comments:

“Who’s next? How can I fight for the world title next? If [Oleksandr] Usyk wants a dance partner next, then we can get Uncle Frank [Warren] in here.” These were Joseph Parkers words after he knocked out Martin Bakole inside two rounds in Saudi Arabia.

With New Zealander Martin Bakole losing his chance at becoming a two-time world champion due to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois withdrawing through illness, Parker seized the opportunity to put himself on track for fights against WBC, WBA (Super), and WBO king Oleksandr Usyk. Dubois’ withdrawal could have a significant impact on the heavyweight scene, with the Briton now eyeing an undisputed clash with Ukraine’s Usyk.

However, despite not wanting to immediately avenge his brutal knockout by Dubois back in September 2024, Anthony Joshua remains active and still harbors ambitions of becoming a three-time champion. BBC Sport examines the heavyweight landscape after weeks of surprises and another night of knockouts.

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What will Dubois do next? According to Dubois’ promoter, Queensberrys Frank Warren, the heavyweight was devastated by being pulled from the Parker bout. It would have been his second defense and he was due for a massive purse. He retains his belt of course.

However, one door closing could mean another opening for Dubois. Previously thought to rematch Usyk should he have beaten Parker, considering boxing schedules and recovery times, it might take quite some time but now the Briton’s next fight could be the undisputed meeting with 38-year-old Usyk.

With no mandatory challenger currently listed for Dubois’ IBF title, he remains free to select his opponent. Given that Usyk has already expressed a desire to face him, its possible Dubois could indeed secure this highly anticipated fight. However, this would be heartbreak for Parker, 33, who spent nearly seven years fighting his way back towards a world title shot.

Bakole, ranked number three with the IBF and scheduled to fight Efe Ajagba on May 2nd, now faces an uncertain future after being stopped in two rounds by Parker. What will Usyk do next?

Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Oleksandr Usyk holds the WBC, WBO and WBA (Super) titles

This really is the big question – what does Usyk want to do? The unified WBA (Super), WBO, and WBC champion has earned the right to call his next shots at heavyweight. If he says he wants a fight with Dubois in May, its likely that will happen.

Usyk claims only two more fights are left in his career which means only the biggest names would entertain him. Given his history of breaking British hearts and his desire to end his career as undisputed champion again, it is possible Usyk may indeed face Dubois next.

Germanys Agit Kabayel might also want a crack at defeating Usyk after securing first place in WBC rankings by stopping China’s Zhilei Zhang. What about Joshua?

The withdrawal of Dubois throws a bit of spanner

in the works for Anthony Joshuas ambitions, but with him still eyeing three world titles and considering his past performance against Usyk, any clash remains highly likely.

BBC Sport continues to bring you all updates on boxing including upcoming matches and results. Stay tuned!